Antonio McDyess returns to The Palace with Spurs

AUBURN HILLS -- In 1998, while making his first visit back to Phoenix, where he had played the previous season, Antonio McDyess went to the wrong bench for the national anthem.

Sunday, he found his way around The Palace just fine.

McDyess made his first visit to The Palace as a member of the Spurs, and he received a warm welcome from Detroit fans when he was introduced prior to the game and again when he entered the game in the first quarter.

McDyess spent the past five seasons with the Pistons before signing with the Spurs last summer.

McDyess, who was critical of the Pistons for trading Chauncey Billups last season, told the San Antonio Express-News this week that he wasn't feeling all that nostalgic about his return to his former home court.

"There aren't a whole lot of guys left that I was close to," he said.

But he visited with a handful of teammates in the Pistons locker room after the game, joking around with Hamilton and Jason Maxiell before rejoining his team for the trip home.

McDyess is averaging 6.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for the Spurs, who are seventh in the Western Conference standings.

ODDS & ENDSPoint guard Tony Parker did not play for the Spurs due to a strained left hip flexor he originally suffered Feb. 8 in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. George Hill started at point guard for the Spurs, who featured their 18th unique starting lineup of the season. ... The matchup with the Pistons completed an eight-game road trip for the Spurs, who last played a home game Jan. 31. The Spurs have an extended road trip each season while the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo takes over their home court.